CORYDON, Ind. — The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay has started from the grounds of the state’s first Capitol building.
Former Indiana first lady Judy O’Bannon lit the torch during a Friday morning ceremony attended by several hundred people in the southern Indiana town of Corydon and carried it from the stage to begin the statewide relay.
O’Bannon’s late husband, Gov. Frank O’Bannon, was a Corydon native.
Organizers say some 2,000 torchbearers are expected to cover more than 3,200 miles through Indiana’s 92 counties and 260 cities and towns before the relay ends Oct. 15 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana marks its 200th anniversary of becoming the nation’s 19th state on December 11.
Happy Birthday, Indiana! @VisitIndiana kicked off the Bicentennial @INTorchRelay in Corydon this morning! pic.twitter.com/FCjAIWM2FH
— Indiana OCRA (@IndianaOCRA) September 9, 2016
Indiana's favorite Fat Cat @Garfield was on hand to celebrate in Corydon today! @IndianaFarmers #INTorchRelay pic.twitter.com/xj9ldUs4lH
— IN Torch Relay (@INTorchRelay) September 9, 2016
Kicking off the first leg of the 3,200 mile @INTorchRelay from Corydon, Indiana's first state Capitol @Indiana2016 pic.twitter.com/1oHlafSkjG
— Karen Pence (@FirstLadyIN) September 9, 2016
The @INTorchRelay ceremony has begun! Great turnout here in Corydon, IN, our original state capitol. #Indiana200 pic.twitter.com/dKzbb484h5
— Indiana 2016 (@Indiana2016) September 9, 2016